“Customer service is our number one goal,” says Judy Pennino, owner of Yes Chef Equipment & Supplies. “Integrity and fair pricing is of major importance to me.”
Roanoke native Judy Pennino moved to eastern Virginia in 2013 with Larry, her husband of 38 years, a former police officer, and their three children.
“I got my work ethic from my father,” she says of his example as a stone mason.
Prior to opening Yes Chef in 2017, Pennino worked for 17 years with a large distributor of non-food items including kitchen equipment, tables and tableware. In addition to the wealth of connections made there, she learned the business in the areas of pricing, sales, business development and more. That experience serves her well as owner today.
“After words of encouragement and support from my wonderful clients and family, I started Yes a mere six weeks later,” Pennino says. The business name originated from the expression, “Yes, Chef,” the professional kitchen response offered to head chefs when instructions are given.
Pennino initially operated the business from home, but it grew so exponentially that her garage turned into a warehouse. “I opened the doors to Yes Chef on May 1, 2018, at the corner of Canon and City Center boulevards,” she says.
Yes Chef serves Williamsburg, North Carolina, Virginia Beach, Richmond, Norfolk and Suffolk. Pennino also has a contract with Virginia Tech.
With certification from the Small Women-owned and Minority-owned organization (SWaM), Pennino has access to government job bids and business promotion opportunities. “I found local customers and partners through my SWaM certification,” she says of her appreciation for this group’s ability to help her build her clientele in Hampton Roads.
Kyle Fowlkes, owner of Saté, A New American Experience, began with a food truck which at times Pennino allowed him to operate in Yes Chef’s parking lot. “Beginning three years before we opened, Judy encouraged me in my dream to open my own restaurant,” Fowlkes says. “She helped me find the perfect place to open and supplies everything we use with the exception of the food. In Judy, I have someone I can rely on when I need something in a pinch. Why would I use any other supplier? She makes life easier. She is the key to my success.”
Martin Cisneros, owner of the recently opened Catrin Cantina Mexican restaurant in Newport News, became acquainted with Pennino and her husband as Plaza Azteca customers, where he was manager. “I shared my desire to open my own restaurant,” Cisneros says. “Judy encouraged me and helped me follow my dream.”
Employee Gina Page, who works with small goods and assists customers, has been with Yes Chef since April 2017. “I love working with customers which I had experience with while working at Surf’s Up restaurant,” Page says.
“I’d be lost without her,” Pennino says of Page.
In May 2024, Wes Call began working as Yes Chef’s delivery driver and in receiving. “This is the best, stress-free work atmosphere I’ve ever been a part of,” he says.
During the COVID pandemic, Yes Chef turned its focus to providing customers with scarce sanitary items. The business made and sold its own hand sanitizer and buckets of sanitary items to fill in for shortages.
Every Tuesday, Yes Chef takes in knives for sharpening to be ready by Wednesday of the following week. The business delivers throughout Hampton Roads and surrounding cities. Additionally, it can arrange for delivery and shipment to any location in the United States. Yes Chef also offers custom lease packages.
“We’ve met many clients and formed lasting friendships,” Pennino says. “We’ve really grown to love the area and the people in this community; this is home.”
Shahin Shahin, director of projects with AAM15 Management, LLC, serving hotels, says, “Judy is a pleasure to work with. Anytime we need new appliances, she is quick to respond, and the items are shipped on time. Working with Judy for the past seven years, I know she is reliable and makes the process easy and efficient.” Through her, Pennino provides supplies to businesses in Vermont, Maine, North Dakota, Georgia, Massachusetts and more.
Yes Chef is open to the public. Anyone passionate about food and cooking is welcome.
“I thought it was a restaurant supply store,” personal shopper Dianne Howard says of Yes Chef. “I found shopping from a local business provided great customer service, a friendly smile and all the help I need when looking for that right kitchen tool.”
The Penninos have three grown children, Kristen, Tony and Eric, and they are expecting their first grandson.
Pennino enjoys vacationing in Corolla, North Carolina, where she loves frequenting local shops, watching horses and dining at local restaurants. She will host a girls’ trip in Sandbridge next May. Chef Kyle will be there to do a “Chef’s Night.”
